August brought five striking automotive debuts, showcasing bold designs, hybrid tech, and surprising powertrain choices worldwide.
From muscle cars returning to gasoline power to an ambitious self-driving prototype, August 2025 revealed five very different automotive newcomers. Dodge, Tensor, Jeep, Volvo, and Volkswagen each unveiled models that hint at shifting trends in performance and technology.
Price: From $55,000
We’ve covered the new Charger before, when Dodge launched electric coupe and sedan versions—selling only 4,000 units in six months. In August 2025, the automaker began production of gasoline-powered Chargers.
Both coupe and sedan models feature all-wheel drive, a 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch. Output is 420 hp in the R/T Sixpack and 550 hp in the Scat Pack Sixpack. A single button disconnects the front axle for pure rear-wheel-drive fun.
Price: Not yet announced
The Robocar from startup Tensor is the first autonomous vehicle designed for personal use. Scheduled for sales in 2026, the production-ready version debuted this August.
This large liftback measures 217.5 inches long, 79.9 inches wide, and 78.3 inches tall, riding on a 124-inch wheelbase—significantly bigger than a BMW X7. It will feature fully steerable chassis, air suspension, and a 112-kWh battery pack.
More than 100 sensors power its Level 4 autonomous driving system, including 5 LiDAR units, 37 cameras, 11 radars, 22 microphones, and even 8 water-level sensors—coordinated by a powerful AI platform.
Price: From $37,000
Production of the fifth-generation Cherokee ended in 2025, but Jeep revealed its successor in August.
The new midsize crossover is larger in every dimension: 188 inches long, 74.7 inches wide, and 67.5 inches tall, with a 113-inch wheelbase. Its hybrid drivetrain pairs a 1.6-liter gasoline engine (177 hp) with two electric motors for a combined 210 hp. A CVT handles power delivery, and all-wheel drive is standard.
Price: From $42,000
Once a rugged wagon derivative of the V70, the XC70 nameplate returns as a hybrid crossover—this time for the Chinese market.
The XC70 is 189.6 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 65 inches tall, with a 114-inch wheelbase. Frameless doors set it apart in the crossover segment.
This plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (163 hp) with electric motors via a three-speed planetary transmission. Front-drive versions produce 381 hp, while AWD models add a rear motor for 593 hp. Electric range is 72 miles (FWD, 21.2-kWh battery) or 112 miles (AWD, 39.6-kWh battery). Total range on gas and full charge exceeds 746 miles.
Price: From $36,000
Volkswagen’s first-generation T-Roc was produced from 2017 to 2025. The all-new second generation rides on the MQB Evo platform.
The compact crossover is 172.1 inches long, 71.9 inches wide, and 61.5 inches tall, with a 103.6-inch wheelbase. For now, only front-wheel-drive mild hybrids are available, using 1.5-liter gasoline engines rated at 116 or 150 hp with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. All-wheel-drive versions, full hybrids, and a high-performance T-Roc R will follow. Driver-assist features include automated parking.